Motorcyclists to assemble, ride for charity

Fallen Heroes Family Ride being organized.

Fallen Heroes Family Ride being organized.

May 19, 2006|KIM KILBRIDE Tribune Staff Writer

As many as a thousand motorcyclists -- maybe more -- will take to the streets Sunday morning for a worthy cause. American Legion Riders from Post 308 in Osceola is organizing the Fallen Heroes Family Ride. Proceeds from the event will benefit families of Indiana soldiers, law enforcement officials and firefighters killed in action. This is the second year for the Osceola group to sponsor the ride. "Last year, it yielded 500 bikes. This year, we're hoping to double, triple or quadruple that," said Dick Jankowski, one of the primary organizers of the event. Since the proceeds will benefit the families of fallen heroes throughout the entire state this year, Jankowski expects motorcyclists from all over Indiana to come to South Bend for the ride. Last year, the event raised about $8,000 that was evenly distributed among 13 families. This year, 17 families, including relatives of the late South Bend Police Department Cpl. Scott Severns, will share the proceeds. Jankowski said he originally came up with the idea for a ride that would benefit families of local soldiers killed in Iraq. "Then, we got to thinking about it," he said, "and said 'fallen heroes encompasses law enforcement and firefighters, too.' And, we also decided 'why not include the whole state.' " Chris Moore, owner of Freedom Cycle, in South Bend, is also helping organize the ride this year. He expects a great turnout for Sunday's ride. "There are a lot of patriotic motorcyclists," he said. "There are a lot of vets, a lot of police and fireman (who ride). "It doesn't take a lot to get a motorcyclist out to go riding. If you can have fun and do good, you usually don't have to ask people twice," he said.Staff writer Kim Kilbride: kkilbride@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6554